Security

Today’s world is highly digital and consistently changing when it comes to technology. While there is no way to guarantee your personal information will remain uncompromised, there are several measures you can and should take to protect yourself.

Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

• Create strong passwords
• Never use a public Wi-Fi network to access your financial information
• Use a secure browser when shopping online
• Password protect your devices and home Wi-Fi network
• Review your Credit Report annually
• Set up Visa Fraud Text Alerts on your MEFCU Debit and Credit Cards

Be wary of emails, calls, or text messages requesting your information. Phone calls from MEFCU will never ask for your member number or other sensitive information. Trusted institutions will never email or text you requesting your personal information. When in doubt, independently contact the business or organization to verify.

Receive and dispose of your personal information safely. Sign up for eStatements and have your invoices and bills delivered directly to Online Bill Pay. Monitor your account activity on a regular basis and be sure to shred your statements when you’re through reviewing them.

Consider purchasing an identity theft detection service, such as Lifelock to help keep your information secure as well as to help restore everything in the event that your identity is stolen.

How to Recover

If you notice fraudulent activity on your account, you may not necessarily be the victim of Identity Theft. In the event that your debit or credit card number is compromised, the solution is as simple as having a new card issued. To prevent interruptions in use, we can instantly issue a new debit or credit card at three of our offices: Cascade Lake, 41st Street and Centerplace. 

If you are a victim of identity theft, be sure that you act quickly. Contact the companies you have a credit or bank account at and be certain to close the accounts you believe may have been compromised.

1. Contact us, other financial institutions you have accounts at, and your credit card companies to close affected accounts.
2. Place a fraud alert on your Credit Reports. To request a fraud alert in your credit reports call one of the agencies below and they will notify the other two.
               Equifax: (866) 349-5191
               TransUnion: (800) 680-7289
               Experian: (888) 397-3742
3. Contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.
4. Contact the Federal Trade Commission online or at (877) 438-4338.
5. File a police report.

It is important to notify the Social Security Administration to get a new driver’s license and number. You should also report the crime to local law enforcement officers. Doing this will allow you to have a record of the incident. This is important because it allows you to provide the report to future creditors or institutions as proof of the crime.